Book Title: Practice of Karma Yoga
Author(s): Swami Sivananda
Publisher: Divine Life Society

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Page 277
________________ GARLAND OF KARMA YOGA He had a loin cloth only. How simple was Ramana Maharishi? He had a Kowpeen only A loin cloth and a Kowpeen were their personal effects. They did not want suit-cases or trunks to carry their dress. They were as free as a bird. Avadhoots like Krishnashram of Gangotri, Brahmendra Saraswati of Sendamangalam, Salem, South India, have not even a Kowpeen They are absolutely nude. They are now in the same state as they were when they were born. This body is like a big wound or ulcer with various filthy discharges. It has to be bandaged simply with any piece of cloth. Sulken, laced borders and frills are not necessary. It is the height of folly to decorate this filthy perishable compound of flesh and bone with artistic borders Have you realised your foolishness now? Stand up Give up fashion now Take a vow. Give me a definite promise that you will use simple clothing from this very second. You came naked. You will go naked Your silken waist-thread and upper-cloth even will be snatched for the use of your grand-children, when you are on the death-bed. Why then do you make these ceaseless selfish efforts for earning money and preparing fashionable dress? Realize your folly. Learn to discriminate Get wisdom of the Self and rest in everlasting peace. O fashionable man! O fashionable woman! O ye slayers of the inner Atman! Why do you waste your time, energy and life in vanity, in running after 18 273

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